Toward a Conceptualization of Interpersonal Rejection
Non-acceptance can be perceived as inadequate relationship value towards an individual. By nature, human beings try to find a sense of belongingness and fear any form of denunciation. This chapter recognizes the fact that not everyone is expected to like and to be liked by everyone else, but even with minimal amount, acceptance is sought for. Inevitably, there will be instances where refusal of one's proposal, elimination from a group, negative response to outputs, etc. takes place. These events are then categorized in a continuum that marks the level of inclusion and its corresponding behavioral patterns. When the value of an individual is seen to be on the positive leaning of the spectrum, that person is said to be highly valued; when placed on the opposite direction, that person encounters banishment and discrimination. In the course of relational valuation, the word rejection occupies a black-and-white feature that makes it hard to capture.
